Smokey Mountains with the Grandparents

Madi during the 12 hour drive.  She never would have lasted more than 1 hour in a car seat.
 I think she got a little spoiled. I know I did!!

Cabin in Cherokee

Mom and Dad's RV

Traveling from the RV to the cabin in the cold rain.  I forgot Madi had a new raincoat in the closet.

M's first cheap souvenir

M in her walker wearing pink leopard footy pjs.  She HATES footies but it was chilly. 

Bathing in the sink

We joined Mom and Dad on a two week trip to the mountains to visit my brother's family.  We also made a short detour to Cherokee, TN for 3 days. 

I can't believe Dad and I made it until the last morning before we had a blowout.  Normally, it would be the first day but we were on our best behavior for M's sake.  Don't get me wrong, we love each other but we are soooo much alike that we can easily get on the other's nerves.  Never lasts very long but can lead to hurt feelings in the moment.  Being proactive, I reserved a cabin for a few days during the middle of our stay.   It was wonderful and much needed after sharing a RV for one week with 3 adults and a baby (in a walker). 

We were able to watch my nephew play soccer and earn a new karate belt plus spend time with my lovely niece.  She's 12 yrs old so it won't be long before she ignores us like the plague. 

One interesting thing did happen in Calhoun, GA.  It was the first time I've taken M to a Chinese restaurant,  my dad likes to eat there when we visit the area.  The hostess and our waitress were both fascinated with M.  Their english was very broken but somehow the hostess told me she was from the same city as M but I'm a little wary.  Not that she was being deceptive but I think a translator was really needed for clarity.  The women asked a lot of questions about the adoption and kept touching her throughout the meal.  Finally, one just took her from the stroller (she had been asleep when we arrived).  I must have heard, "she's a lucky girl" a hundred times.  Every time my family tried to relay that we were the lucky ones, the ladies just looked puzzled.  Also, I'm beginning to believe the average Chinese immigrant isn't aware of international adoption which causes confusion.  I didn't get to eat much during the meal and it brought back memories of the lack of personal space experienced in China.  M was completely unphased by the experience and everyone was happy at the end of the meal.